Prayer Journal
Monday, July 17, 2000
"There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death." Prov 14:14;16:25
Perhaps the number one reason people pray is to ask God for direction. And, you don't have to be a Christian to desire "right" choices in life. Everyone wants to make right choices.
The verses in Proverbs apply to everyone, regardless of their faith, age or station in life. The simple fact is that our natural inclination is to go the wrong way. Continuation down the wrong path will end in certain destruction according to the word of God.
In the last few verses of John 13, Peter asks Jesus where he was going. Then, Peter stated his willingness to follow Jesus anywhere he went. Within days of that conversation, Peter discovered that even the best made intention falls short when made on the basis of emotion rather than conviction. What's the difference in intention and conviction?
Intentions are based on emotion and subject to change as circumstances change. Convictions, on the other hand, are based on truth and the willingness to die in the pursuit of it. A popular song says, "God will make a way where there seems to be no way". Peter was a good example of God changing intentions to conviction when there seemed to be no way. Peter's well meaning words of confession became conviction as he demonstrated it on a cross, crucified upside down for his faith in Jesus.
"Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 Jesus reveals to us that the way we chose to go is not nearly as important as the One who travels with us and will meet us at the end of the road.
If you're like me, you've been taught from childhood that there is a "perfect" plan for your life. We must choose that "way" or be faced with lifelong consequences of one wrong decision. That's a lot of pressure for a young person trying to choose a career or a young girl faced with the question, "Will you marry me?".
When Peter denied Jesus three times, was it the way God wanted him to go? Good question. I think not. But, one thing is sure, Peter's failures played a vital part in the development of his character. It's as if God took what Peter had to offer, his quick temper and impetuous attitude, and miraculously transformed them into holy boldness and meekness.
The point is, there is no "way" we take that will separate us from God unless we choose to go without Him. And should we choose to go without Him, even the "best" way is doomed to failure and will end in death.
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
